From the Rector ~ Stewardship 2025

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy”

Psalm 126:4

Dear St. James Parish Family,

As I reflect upon these beautiful and timely words from Psalm 126, I am indeed filled with joy thinking about the many great things our Lord has done - and continues to do daily - through our beloved St. James Parish.

Whether in our historic downtown sanctuary, Mt. Lebanon Chapel, one of our bustling preschool classrooms, an outreach site, a parishioner’s home, or at a youth gathering, it is a true joy to share in the mission, ministry, and fellowship of St. James.

This season, as we begin our stewardship campaign, I ask you to prayerfully make a personally meaningful pledge before November 24 to support St. James Parish in the 2025 fiscal year. Your annual commitment serves as a powerful investment in our parish each year, providing tangible support for our new and robust programs and the maintenance of our significant (and aging) facilities here on this full city block. In addition, in 2025 it will help fund the addition of much-needed parish staff and cost-of-living raises for those who work so diligently to make St. James a special place filled with joy for us all.

Every pledge made during our stewardship campaign, no matter the amount, is incredibly meaningful and will be put to use. If you are new to the parish, or you have not pledged previously, I want to emphasize the importance of pledging during our stewardship campaign, as it allows us to effectively plan and budget resources for the year ahead. Additionally, with vital programs and initiatives in mind, I humbly ask those of you who pledged last year to join Jennifer and me with a 10% increase in your stewardship commitment.

With God’s help we will continue to do the good work He has set before us. I thank you for your continued, imperative involvement within our St. James Parish family and for contributing to our mission and ministry of serving others in Jesus’ name.

Faithfully,

The Rev. C. Phillip Craig, Jr.
[email protected]